The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa has commenced a Persian Language, Linguistics and Culture Program, made possible through a grant from and in partnership with the Roshan Cultural Heritage Institute (http://www.roshan-institute.org). An integral component of this new initiative is support provided for Persian graduate studies.

Two Roshan Institute Graduate Fellowships for students of Linguistics and Second Language Studies will be awarded to qualified students. A fellow must be a degree-seeking graduate in Linguistics or Second Language Studies and will take courses and participate in research.

Fellows will also be expected to participate actively in the instructional program in Persian language, linguistics and culture. They will work with Dr. Ladan Hamedani, Roshan Institute Instructor in Persian Language and Culture, to develop materials and, where appropriate, help in instruction. In addition, two Roshan Institute Fellowships for graduate students of Persian will be awarded to qualified students to provide fellowship support.

Persian courses may provide credits for Persian-speaking students who are in undergraduate and graduate programs at the University of Hawaiʻi to fulfill second language requirements. Intermediate or advanced classes are possible for the Fall, depending on demand.

Persian is the official and national language of Iran, and standard Modern Persian is spoken in Tehran, the capital of Iran. The Persian language belongs to the West Iranian language group, a subgrouping of Indo-Iranian languages, which are part of the Indo-European language family.

The two dialects of Persian are Tajiki and Dari, which are spoken in Tajikistan and Afghanistan, respectively.

Persian is the language of one of the world’s most prolific cultures and powerful empires. With more than 2,500 years of civilization and literature, Persian culture is renowned for its contributions to film, poetry, the visual arts, world history and the sciences. Persian culture has produced thousands of literary works and exquisite ancient art including architecture, intricate tile works, finely woven carpets, painting, pottery, calligraphy and modern art, including cinema and music.

Persian language and culture have a direct relationship with Persian literature and this intimacy is introduced from the very beginning in language and culture classes. Classes introduce the most important aspects of the Iranian culture, such as ceremonies that reflect the interconnection between language, literature and culture.

In addition to academic classes, the Persian Language, Linguistics and Culture Program also serves the greater UH Mānoa community by celebrating ceremonies such as Noruz, the Iranian New Year, and sponsoring other activities such as an Iranian film festival and student cultural organizations.